Gouverneur town budget keeps tax rate stable

GOUVERNEUR  The tentative town budget raises the tax levy by less than $10,000 and keeps the tax rate the same as last year. The projected tax levy would increase $9,225 over last year, to $628,985, Supervisor Robert R. Ritchie said.

The tax rate will remain at $2.90 per $1,000 of assessed value for those with property within the village and at $3.50 per $1,000 on property outside the village.

The preliminary budget includes approximately 2 percent raises for all employees and an increase of $1,500  up to $53,500  for the Gouverneur Fire Department. Sewer and water district rates will remain the same.

The town was able to keep the increase in the tax levy at a minimum because of an anticipated increase in the sales tax revenues of $15,000. St. Lawrence County is raising the local sales tax from 3 percent to 4 percent starting Dec. 1, and the towns will receive 10 percent of the additional amount.